Courtesy PhotoFile photo of a deer crossing a road in Michigan's Thumb area

GRAND RAPIDS – Deer are not the only targets of shooters over the next few weeks.

Every year, thousands of people find themselves without power due to gunshot damage done to transformers, poles and other energy delivery equipment, according to Timothy Pietryga, spokesperson for Consumers Energy.

“Not to pick on hunters,” said Pietryga. “Even on New Year's Eve, there are people who go out at midnight and fire their guns and damage our equipment.”

But gunfire damage does increase with some shooters apparently primarily targeting the ceramic insulators that are on wires – cutting off power when they are struck.

“Consumers on electric-life support systems can be endangered by outages caused by gunshot vandalism damage,” said Michael Williams, director of corporate security for Consumers Energy.

The company is offering cash rewards for people who report incidents of willful gunshot damage done to the company's equipment.

Those who witness vandalism can call (800) 760-3295 to qualify for the reward.

Consumers Energy said it will ask police and prosecutors to charge those responsible, where appropriate. Those who engage in damaging the power equipment can face vandalism or illegal discharge of a firearm charges.